OPALCO board votes to support actions to save SRKW and to keep the dams

Press Release: At the September board meeting, the OPALCO Board of Directors unanimously resolved to support:

Effective actions to save the resident orca whales in the Salish Sea

Effective actions to restore salmon runs as determined from existing and future BiOps

Continued operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System, including the four Lower Snake River dams, for the many benefits they provide including emissions-free, renewable, reliable, low‐cost energy

OPALCO supports the whales and our hydro system. The Co-op Board, along with more than 25 peer utilities in the region, places their trust in the ongoing federal environmental study to provide the science necessary to understand the full web of interdependent issues at play that includes – in addition to salmon: water temperature, vessel noise, ocean acidification, pollution, forage fish habitat and climate change.

Board President Vince Dauciunas stated, “We believe we can build a successful future for our Orca whales, salmon, forage fish and wildlife, clean air and water, while keeping our power carbon free with the federal hydro system and all of the benefits it brings to the region.”

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.